How to Protect Outdoor Faucets from Freezing

You look at the forecast and see sub-zero temperatures coming your way. What does that mean for your pipes? Frozen pipes are no homeowner’s idea of a good time. Avoid a worst-case scenario by learning how to protect outdoor faucets from freezing and causing serious problems for your home’s plumbing.

You can freeze-proof your outdoor faucets and protect pipes from freezing or bursting. Keep reading for simple steps you can take to ensure your outdoor plumbing is safe, even on the coldest days of the winter.

Why You Should Care About Winterizing Your Outdoor Faucets

While most of the pipes in a home are insulated from the cold and get heat from your HVAC system, pipes connected to any outdoor faucets are vulnerable to freezing conditions. Any time the outside temperature dips below freezing, there’s a chance the water inside the pipes will freeze, expand, and potentially lead to burst pipes and water damage in your home.

The good news is you can avoid a call for emergency plumbing due to frozen pipes by simply learning to freeze-proof outdoor faucets.

6 Steps for How to Protect Outdoor Faucets from Freezing

1. Remove the garden hose from the faucet in the fall.
   By taking this proactive step before freezing weather arrives, you’ll be ahead of the game and can avoid having to run outside to stow the hose in the middle of an ice storm.
2. Shut off the upstream water supply valve feeding the outdoor faucet.
   Typically, you will find this valve several feet from the outside wall. Turn the handle to the valve in a clockwise motion until it stops. If it has a lever handle, turn the lever until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
3. Drain any residual water from the faucet and pipe.
   This will ensure there isn’t any water left behind after shutting off the valve that could freeze and expand. If water continues to trickle out, even after you’ve shut off the upstream valve, replace the leaky valve.
4. Install an outdoor faucet protector.
   A foam faucet cover offers an additional layer of protection to freeze-proof your faucet and pipes. You can find an inexpensive cover from hardware stores or online. Make sure the cover is securely in place over the faucet.
5. Insulate the pipe leading up to the faucet.
   Purchase foam insulation to cover any exposed plumbing connected to the outdoor faucet.
6. Install a freeze-proof faucet.
   If you’d rather not go through the hassle of properly winterizing your outdoor faucet and pipes each year, you can install a freeze-proof or frost-free faucet. Designed to function in freezing temperatures, a frost-free faucet will enable you to continue using the faucet year-round.

Turn to Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing for More Winterizing Solutions for Your Residential Plumbing

Whether you need professional assistance installing a freeze-proof outdoor faucet, or you require emergency plumbing services due to frozen or burst pipes, the local experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are here to help. We offer friendly, professional plumbing services to keep your home’s plumbing in optimal working condition—no matter what the winter weather throws your way.

Call today to connect with your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing location, or schedule an appointment online.